Readers' comments

Paul Ryan pretended to be a huge fan of rock band "Rage Against The Machine", just so he could appear to be "cool" to young voters. But the band swiftly disowned Ryan, as no self-respecting rock band wants to be identified with someone who was voted "Biggest Brown-Noser" by his high-school class.

Paul Ryan pretended to be a huge fan of rock band "Rage Against The Machine", just so he could appear to be "cool" to young voters. But the band swiftly disowned Ryan, as no self-respecting rock band wants to be identified with someone who was voted "Biggest Brown-Noser" by his high-school class.

Hmmm... Kal really doesn't like the Republicans. Actually the way the Economist covers the American elections, I don't think the newspaper like the Republicans either. Maybe, along with NYT, the Democrats is just a sexier club to be at.

Kim 77 - might I suggest you visit miamiherald.com/dave_barry/ for a writer's take on the Convention. Between Kal and Dave Barry, I don't think much remains to be said; in their different ways, they've both nailed it, totally.

Not quite understanding the celebrity status that the Economist is conferring on the Republican National Convention.

What I mean is that the Economist hasn't said a pip about the political statements made by Republican politicos at the convention. It's been pure frivolity since day one; how homely, as opposed to businesslike, was the convention, how poetic was Mitt Romney, and now this. The only substantial reporting on the RNC that I've seen was about Ron Paul.

There is no substance in lies, that's why. And to echo carl cid inting previously, no decent rock outfit would want to be associated with this bunch of GOP no-marks and lunatics. When Lyin Ryan said his favourite band was Rage Against The Machine, he just showed himself up as being a complete, unaware wanker - from the band's point of view, HE is the machine they rage against!

Sir, your comment reveals that you are prone to make assumptions on the basis of little knowledge. So what exactly do my comments reveal about me? I'm so anxious to learn what it is that you know about me.

Rock bands are a litmus test of nothing at all. My comment was a reference to something that someone had said in an earlier comment; I merely echoed it as a vehicle for my main thrust which was at Mr Ryan; to whit, he is apparently too stupid to realise that a group of people that he admires actually detest him, all of those like him, and all that he and they stand for. He has obviously never listened to their lyrics.

But that is all merely a trivial aside; I also detest Ryan, Romney and all of their ilk on ideological grounds, and on the grounds that they are liars, fascists, religious nazis, authoritarians and a whole lot more. That may reveal to you that I am of the left politically - if you've picked up on that, well done. If not, I couldn't care less.

So, Msr Ryan cannot identify with a group because he likes their music but disapproves of their ideals. Oh, the vapors! I certainly hope that he cares little what they think of him. They produce music, not political policy. Yes: they are trivial. I enjoy old Black Sabbath, but detest their beliefs.

Your anger and vitriol are obvious: you are clearly an unhappy person, finding fault with obviously good men as you do. Let me guess: you likely receive much of your funding from the government too, yes? Yes, should these two men rise to office, it is very likely that those Americans who Vote for a living will be angry at those of you who Work for a living.

The world waits to see if the Takers in USA outnumber the Makers. Good day to you sir.

Yes, I am angry. I am also quite happy in my life, surrounded by good friends, not all of whom share my beliefs. I don't judge a person by their politics unless they're running for office, in which case that judgment is the only one that matters.

Obviously good men? R and R? You jest; two greater opportunists, fear mongers and liars were never born. they are both detestable, not merely for their politics, but for their character, which allows them to promulgate lies and half truths for their own advantage.

Not that its any business of yours, but I am self employed, working as a coach and mentor to managers in both the private and public sectors. I have never asked for nor received any type of state benefit, but understand that some have no choice and I don't begrudge them.